Sambalpur: SMC Takes Swift Action: Fines Homeowners for Improper Sewage Disposal
Sambalpur: In a bid to address sanitation concerns, the Sambalpur Metropolitan Corporation (SMC) has imposed fines of Rs 20,000 on two homeowners caught disposing of sewage in drains. Commissioner Bedbhushan issued a strong warning, instructing homeowners to connect their household pipelines to safety tanks or sewer lines. Failure to comply will result in the sealing of the respective houses, as per the law.
Sanitation workers discovered the unauthorized sewage discharge during their garbage collection rounds in key areas of the city. Upon confrontation, the homeowners contested the issue, leading department officers to intervene. Fines of Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 were promptly collected from the 2 offenders. The incident has sparked discussions in the community.
This is not the first time Sambalpur has encountered similar issues. Complaints about severed sewage lines in numerous areas continue, increasing concerns about public health risks. The city has a history of sanitation concerns, particularly during the jaundice outbreak, which resulted in major government spending on pipeline replacement projects like as Amrit-1 and Amrit-II.
On December 14, 2023, SMC issued a public announcement imposing a fine of Rs 2,000 for improper sewage disposal. Repeated offenses would result in a daily fine of Rs 30 and potential sealing of the house. Despite these warnings, the problem persists.
Bedbhushan has taken a proactive posture and took the initiative to address the issue. SMC is reaching out to homes in areas with exposed sewer pipes and recommending septic tank cleaning every 3 to 5 years. Strict actions, including house sealing and fines, will be enforced if complaints continue to reach the Metropolitan Corporation’s attention.
